WAKE COUNTY — January marks National Radon Action month and Wake County encourages residents to test their homes for radon. To help residents, the N.C. Radon Program is providing 200 free test kits for the county to distribute.

Test kits are also available for purchase. To buy a kit or for more information see ncradon.org or call 828-712-0972.

Radon is a natural gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in rocks, soil and building materials such as concrete. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to radon in the home is responsible for an estimated 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Risk of lung cancer is dependent on the length of exposure.